(05-23-2015 08:46 AM)NestaKnight1 Wrote:  

(05-22-2015 07:26 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 08:24 AM)NestaKnight1 Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 08:08 AM)bullet Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 08:02 AM)NestaKnight1 Wrote:  Completely disagree (surprise). UCF is now the largest undergraduate University in the nation, and markets are driving expansion, not geography otherwise UWV would not be in the B12. Central Florida is just a hop skip and jump over the Gulf of Mexico anyway, and with both UCF and USF, you have built in rivalries, and travel partners. I just believe those two schools have the most to offer compared to any of the other potential candidates (perhaps as viewed through my black and gold glasses). In any event, our subjective opinions don't mean jack squat, what will be will be irrespective of what you or I believe.

I agree with Pony. I don't think UCF and USF are even on the radar. Yes, its not that long a flight from Texas, but its yet another island in a heavy SEC/ACC territory. Indications are the schools they are keeping an eye on are, in no particular order, BYU, Houston, Rice, Tulane, Memphis and Cincinnati. But even that is just due diligence in case there is a compelling reason to expand.

So you think the B-12 needs more markets in Texas, and wouldn't be interested in getting a foothold in the talent rich and populous state of Florida while gaining access to the 4th largest TV market in the nation where UT could market the LHN? What indications are you referring to? I thought the B-12 commisioner stated relative to expansion, if it was to happen they would be looking to the East, not West, thus eliminating three of your suggested candidates. In any event, I just don't believe the B-12 is expanding anytime soon, so these conversations are largely academic. I do agree that UCF/USF are not even on the radar, however, I don't believe any schools at all are currently on the radar.

From a number of different message board reports (admittedly limited value-but its pretty consistent) those are the schools that have talked with the Big 12. Media reports on potential expansion candidates (other than pure speculation) never mention the Florida schools. I'm not stating my opinion on who I think would be best. I'm stating my opinion on who I think they would look at. Relationships matter. UCF and USF are newbies to big time football. And I suspect the SEC/ACC dominance in Florida is part of the reason they don't get mentioned.

You mean sources like the blogger who started this thread some two years ago, LOL! I was asking for a reference to a CREDIBLE SOURCE (and I don't mean some newspaper situated in the city of a potential candidate advocating for that candidate's inclusion, as every candidate has that going on, including the Florida School's). The Florida schools may be newbies to big time football, but have accomplished more already than some long time members of the p-5, or g-5 (UCF's Fiesta bowl win over the b-12 champion, and final season #10 ranking, and USF's in-season #2 ranking several seasons back). The point being they have already shown that they can run with the big dogs (imagine if they had the recruiting advantages of belonging to a P-5 conference). Relationships do indeed matter, and I believe Dr. Hitt is acutely adept at developing relationships. When UCF was invited to the Big East, you did not hear a peep out of the administration in Orlando until the news broke. Personally, I think the B-12 who has the smallest footprint of any of the P-5 conferences would want exposure in Florida to erode some of the SEC/ACC dominance you alluded to. Regardless, these decisions are out of our hands, UCF/USF can only control so much (like any of the potential candidates) they should be focused on building up their own brands nationally and that of the AAC as I previously stated.

Footprint it overrated. It matters if you have a conference network, but the Big 12 doesn't have one. What matters is national ratings among casual fans, not the heavy duty fans like the ones on message boards like this. And a lot of the casual fans outside their home state don't recognize a lot of these schools that are new to the top level. The level "A" most valuable schools in the AAC contract were Houston, Cincinnati, Temple and UConn, 3 longtime schools in FBS + UConn. While UConn is a relative newbie, their basketball national championships get them name recognition. And being a U of <insert state name> helps. Probably notably, all 4 have had substantial basketball success for an extended time.

(05-23-2015 10:21 AM)bullet Wrote:  

(05-23-2015 08:46 AM)NestaKnight1 Wrote:  

(05-22-2015 07:26 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 08:24 AM)NestaKnight1 Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 08:08 AM)bullet Wrote:  I agree with Pony. I don't think UCF and USF are even on the radar. Yes, its not that long a flight from Texas, but its yet another island in a heavy SEC/ACC territory. Indications are the schools they are keeping an eye on are, in no particular order, BYU, Houston, Rice, Tulane, Memphis and Cincinnati. But even that is just due diligence in case there is a compelling reason to expand.

So you think the B-12 needs more markets in Texas, and wouldn't be interested in getting a foothold in the talent rich and populous state of Florida while gaining access to the 4th largest TV market in the nation where UT could market the LHN? What indications are you referring to? I thought the B-12 commisioner stated relative to expansion, if it was to happen they would be looking to the East, not West, thus eliminating three of your suggested candidates. In any event, I just don't believe the B-12 is expanding anytime soon, so these conversations are largely academic. I do agree that UCF/USF are not even on the radar, however, I don't believe any schools at all are currently on the radar.

From a number of different message board reports (admittedly limited value-but its pretty consistent) those are the schools that have talked with the Big 12. Media reports on potential expansion candidates (other than pure speculation) never mention the Florida schools. I'm not stating my opinion on who I think would be best. I'm stating my opinion on who I think they would look at. Relationships matter. UCF and USF are newbies to big time football. And I suspect the SEC/ACC dominance in Florida is part of the reason they don't get mentioned.

You mean sources like the blogger who started this thread some two years ago, LOL! I was asking for a reference to a CREDIBLE SOURCE (and I don't mean some newspaper situated in the city of a potential candidate advocating for that candidate's inclusion, as every candidate has that going on, including the Florida School's). The Florida schools may be newbies to big time football, but have accomplished more already than some long time members of the p-5, or g-5 (UCF's Fiesta bowl win over the b-12 champion, and final season #10 ranking, and USF's in-season #2 ranking several seasons back). The point being they have already shown that they can run with the big dogs (imagine if they had the recruiting advantages of belonging to a P-5 conference). Relationships do indeed matter, and I believe Dr. Hitt is acutely adept at developing relationships. When UCF was invited to the Big East, you did not hear a peep out of the administration in Orlando until the news broke. Personally, I think the B-12 who has the smallest footprint of any of the P-5 conferences would want exposure in Florida to erode some of the SEC/ACC dominance you alluded to. Regardless, these decisions are out of our hands, UCF/USF can only control so much (like any of the potential candidates) they should be focused on building up their own brands nationally and that of the AAC as I previously stated.

Footprint it overrated. It matters if you have a conference network, but the Big 12 doesn't have one. What matters is national ratings among casual fans, not the heavy duty fans like the ones on message boards like this. And a lot of the casual fans outside their home state don't recognize a lot of these schools that are new to the top level. The level "A" most valuable schools in the AAC contract were Houston, Cincinnati, Temple and UConn, 3 longtime schools in FBS + UConn. While UConn is a relative newbie, their basketball national championships get them name recognition. And being a U of <insert state name> helps. Probably notably, all 4 have had substantial basketball success for an extended time.

I'll give you the last word on this (without rebuttal) as at the time of contract formation the schools you mentioned were indeed tier "A" schools, and the Florida schools have done absolutely nothing to enhance their basketball cred.

(05-23-2015 11:50 AM)NestaKnight1 Wrote:  

(05-23-2015 10:21 AM)bullet Wrote:  

(05-23-2015 08:46 AM)NestaKnight1 Wrote:  

(05-22-2015 07:26 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 08:24 AM)NestaKnight1 Wrote:  So you think the B-12 needs more markets in Texas, and wouldn't be interested in getting a foothold in the talent rich and populous state of Florida while gaining access to the 4th largest TV market in the nation where UT could market the LHN? What indications are you referring to? I thought the B-12 commisioner stated relative to expansion, if it was to happen they would be looking to the East, not West, thus eliminating three of your suggested candidates. In any event, I just don't believe the B-12 is expanding anytime soon, so these conversations are largely academic. I do agree that UCF/USF are not even on the radar, however, I don't believe any schools at all are currently on the radar.

From a number of different message board reports (admittedly limited value-but its pretty consistent) those are the schools that have talked with the Big 12. Media reports on potential expansion candidates (other than pure speculation) never mention the Florida schools. I'm not stating my opinion on who I think would be best. I'm stating my opinion on who I think they would look at. Relationships matter. UCF and USF are newbies to big time football. And I suspect the SEC/ACC dominance in Florida is part of the reason they don't get mentioned.

You mean sources like the blogger who started this thread some two years ago, LOL! I was asking for a reference to a CREDIBLE SOURCE (and I don't mean some newspaper situated in the city of a potential candidate advocating for that candidate's inclusion, as every candidate has that going on, including the Florida School's). The Florida schools may be newbies to big time football, but have accomplished more already than some long time members of the p-5, or g-5 (UCF's Fiesta bowl win over the b-12 champion, and final season #10 ranking, and USF's in-season #2 ranking several seasons back). The point being they have already shown that they can run with the big dogs (imagine if they had the recruiting advantages of belonging to a P-5 conference). Relationships do indeed matter, and I believe Dr. Hitt is acutely adept at developing relationships. When UCF was invited to the Big East, you did not hear a peep out of the administration in Orlando until the news broke. Personally, I think the B-12 who has the smallest footprint of any of the P-5 conferences would want exposure in Florida to erode some of the SEC/ACC dominance you alluded to. Regardless, these decisions are out of our hands, UCF/USF can only control so much (like any of the potential candidates) they should be focused on building up their own brands nationally and that of the AAC as I previously stated.

Footprint it overrated. It matters if you have a conference network, but the Big 12 doesn't have one. What matters is national ratings among casual fans, not the heavy duty fans like the ones on message boards like this. And a lot of the casual fans outside their home state don't recognize a lot of these schools that are new to the top level. The level "A" most valuable schools in the AAC contract were Houston, Cincinnati, Temple and UConn, 3 longtime schools in FBS + UConn. While UConn is a relative newbie, their basketball national championships get them name recognition. And being a U of <insert state name> helps. Probably notably, all 4 have had substantial basketball success for an extended time.

I'll give you the last word on this (without rebuttal) as at the time of contract formation the schools you mentioned were indeed tier "A" schools, and the Florida schools have done absolutely nothing to enhance their basketball cred.

Things can change over time. See Utah, TCU and Louisville. In 2000 no one would have guessed TCU would be in one of the top conferences. TCU didn't get invited to CUSA when the SWC broke up. They didn't get invited to the MWC when the WAC broke up. They didn't get invited to the Big East when CUSA imploded in 2005.

Hardly anyone would have guessed Louisville would be in a major conference in 2000 either. Or Utah in 1994 (before their top 10 season that year).

(05-21-2015 08:08 AM)bullet Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 08:02 AM)NestaKnight1 Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 06:40 AM)GTFletch Wrote:  I do not think UCF or USF will get a P5 invite..... with FUS, UF and Miami already in the P5 market not sure that the BIG12 would want to add all that travel..... Cincy....Memphis....AFA... makes more since

Completely disagree (surprise). UCF is now the largest undergraduate University in the nation, and markets are driving expansion, not geography otherwise UWV would not be in the B12. Central Florida is just a hop skip and jump over the Gulf of Mexico anyway, and with both UCF and USF, you have built in rivalries, and travel partners. I just believe those two schools have the most to offer compared to any of the other potential candidates (perhaps as viewed through my black and gold glasses). In any event, our subjective opinions don't mean jack squat, what will be will be irrespective of what you or I believe.

I agree with Pony. I don't think UCF and USF are even on the radar. Yes, its not that long a flight from Texas, but its yet another island in a heavy SEC/ACC territory. Indications are the schools they are keeping an eye on are, in no particular order, BYU, Houston, Rice, Tulane, Memphis and Cincinnati. But even that is just due diligence in case there is a compelling reason to expand.

Ucf was vetted at the same time as the others

(05-23-2015 09:29 PM)Knightbengal Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 08:08 AM)bullet Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 08:02 AM)NestaKnight1 Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 06:40 AM)GTFletch Wrote:  I do not think UCF or USF will get a P5 invite..... with FUS, UF and Miami already in the P5 market not sure that the BIG12 would want to add all that travel..... Cincy....Memphis....AFA... makes more since

Completely disagree (surprise). UCF is now the largest undergraduate University in the nation, and markets are driving expansion, not geography otherwise UWV would not be in the B12. Central Florida is just a hop skip and jump over the Gulf of Mexico anyway, and with both UCF and USF, you have built in rivalries, and travel partners. I just believe those two schools have the most to offer compared to any of the other potential candidates (perhaps as viewed through my black and gold glasses). In any event, our subjective opinions don't mean jack squat, what will be will be irrespective of what you or I believe.

I agree with Pony. I don't think UCF and USF are even on the radar. Yes, its not that long a flight from Texas, but its yet another island in a heavy SEC/ACC territory. Indications are the schools they are keeping an eye on are, in no particular order, BYU, Houston, Rice, Tulane, Memphis and Cincinnati. But even that is just due diligence in case there is a compelling reason to expand.

Ucf was vetted at the same time as the others

UCF and USF are both on the radar. I know our AD would put UCF at the top.

(05-23-2015 09:34 PM)Big Frog II Wrote:  

(05-23-2015 09:29 PM)Knightbengal Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 08:08 AM)bullet Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 08:02 AM)NestaKnight1 Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 06:40 AM)GTFletch Wrote:  I do not think UCF or USF will get a P5 invite..... with FUS, UF and Miami already in the P5 market not sure that the BIG12 would want to add all that travel..... Cincy....Memphis....AFA... makes more since

Completely disagree (surprise). UCF is now the largest undergraduate University in the nation, and markets are driving expansion, not geography otherwise UWV would not be in the B12. Central Florida is just a hop skip and jump over the Gulf of Mexico anyway, and with both UCF and USF, you have built in rivalries, and travel partners. I just believe those two schools have the most to offer compared to any of the other potential candidates (perhaps as viewed through my black and gold glasses). In any event, our subjective opinions don't mean jack squat, what will be will be irrespective of what you or I believe.

I agree with Pony. I don't think UCF and USF are even on the radar. Yes, its not that long a flight from Texas, but its yet another island in a heavy SEC/ACC territory. Indications are the schools they are keeping an eye on are, in no particular order, BYU, Houston, Rice, Tulane, Memphis and Cincinnati. But even that is just due diligence in case there is a compelling reason to expand.

Ucf was vetted at the same time as the others

UCF and USF are both on the radar. I know our AD would put UCF at the top.

Be that as it may, anyone expecting quick movement, or any kind of announcements about any realignment moves will be waiting for a while. Nothing will happen until the next TV contract negotiations, when all the conference deals come up for renewal. That's about a decade from now.

(05-24-2015 09:28 AM)bitcruncher Wrote:  

(05-23-2015 09:34 PM)Big Frog II Wrote:  

(05-23-2015 09:29 PM)Knightbengal Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 08:08 AM)bullet Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 08:02 AM)NestaKnight1 Wrote:  Completely disagree (surprise). UCF is now the largest undergraduate University in the nation, and markets are driving expansion, not geography otherwise UWV would not be in the B12. Central Florida is just a hop skip and jump over the Gulf of Mexico anyway, and with both UCF and USF, you have built in rivalries, and travel partners. I just believe those two schools have the most to offer compared to any of the other potential candidates (perhaps as viewed through my black and gold glasses). In any event, our subjective opinions don't mean jack squat, what will be will be irrespective of what you or I believe.

I agree with Pony. I don't think UCF and USF are even on the radar. Yes, its not that long a flight from Texas, but its yet another island in a heavy SEC/ACC territory. Indications are the schools they are keeping an eye on are, in no particular order, BYU, Houston, Rice, Tulane, Memphis and Cincinnati. But even that is just due diligence in case there is a compelling reason to expand.

Ucf was vetted at the same time as the others

UCF and USF are both on the radar. I know our AD would put UCF at the top.

Be that as it may, anyone expecting quick movement, or any kind of announcements about any realignment moves will be waiting for a while. Nothing will happen until the next TV contract negotiations, when all the conference deals come up for renewal. That's about a decade from now.

Bit, the Big 10 is in renegotiation now. They have to be inked by early 2017. After that one it will be 2021 before it starts again in earnest.

These board fail to recognize the potential NIU has for both the AAC and the Big 12. NIU is building facilities and has a plan. NIU brings the Chicago market which dwarfs the other markets under consideration. Stay tuned. For the Big 12, NIU and Cincinnati make the most sense.

(05-24-2015 10:21 AM)bigredmachine Wrote:  These board fail to recognize the potential NIU has for both the AAC and the Big 12. NIU is building facilities and has a plan. NIU brings the Chicago market which dwarfs the other markets under consideration. Stay tuned. For the Big 12, NIU and Cincinnati make the most sense.

(05-24-2015 10:21 AM)bigredmachine Wrote:  These board fail to recognize the potential NIU has for both the AAC and the Big 12. NIU is building facilities and has a plan. NIU brings the Chicago market which dwarfs the other markets under consideration. Stay tuned. For the Big 12, NIU and Cincinnati make the most sense.

So start a NIU to the big-12 thread, although I believe NIU needs to get out of the MAC for serious consideration. BTW, it's not the posters on these boards who will make any difference on expansion, but rather the school presidents and their opinions. While it is true that the Chicago market dwarves the Cincy market (#36), not so much for the combined Tampa/Orlando market.
Just for the record Chicago is the 3rd largest TV market, Tampa is the 13th and Orlando is the 18th, however Tampa and Orlando combined are the 4th largest TV. The Chicago TV market hardly "dwarves" the Tampa/Orlando market, the student populations of both UCF and USF (which are still growing) do however dwarve the student population of NIU. Another valid question is how much of the respective markets does each school within that market deliver, I'd put my money on UCF as they don't have any pro NFL, NHL, or MLB teams within their market to compete with. The recruiting in Florida is traditionally far better than Illinois. Therefore I personally believe the UCF/USF combination makes the most sense for b-12 expansion. As with UCF/USF the only thing NIU can do is continue to invest in their facilities, win and cultivate their brand, if they continue to do that they should be on the b-12's radar if and when it decides to expand.

(05-22-2015 07:26 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 08:24 AM)NestaKnight1 Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 08:08 AM)bullet Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 08:02 AM)NestaKnight1 Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 06:40 AM)GTFletch Wrote:  I do not think UCF or USF will get a P5 invite..... with FUS, UF and Miami already in the P5 market not sure that the BIG12 would want to add all that travel..... Cincy....Memphis....AFA... makes more since

Completely disagree (surprise). UCF is now the largest undergraduate University in the nation, and markets are driving expansion, not geography otherwise UWV would not be in the B12. Central Florida is just a hop skip and jump over the Gulf of Mexico anyway, and with both UCF and USF, you have built in rivalries, and travel partners. I just believe those two schools have the most to offer compared to any of the other potential candidates (perhaps as viewed through my black and gold glasses). In any event, our subjective opinions don't mean jack squat, what will be will be irrespective of what you or I believe.

I agree with Pony. I don't think UCF and USF are even on the radar. Yes, its not that long a flight from Texas, but its yet another island in a heavy SEC/ACC territory. Indications are the schools they are keeping an eye on are, in no particular order, BYU, Houston, Rice, Tulane, Memphis and Cincinnati. But even that is just due diligence in case there is a compelling reason to expand.

So you think the B-12 needs more markets in Texas, and wouldn't be interested in getting a foothold in the talent rich and populous state of Florida while gaining access to the 4th largest TV market in the nation where UT could market the LHN? What indications are you referring to? I thought the B-12 commisioner stated relative to expansion, if it was to happen they would be looking to the East, not West, thus eliminating three of your suggested candidates. In any event, I just don't believe the B-12 is expanding anytime soon, so these conversations are largely academic. I do agree that UCF/USF are not even on the radar, however, I don't believe any schools at all are currently on the radar.

From a number of different message board reports (admittedly limited value-but its pretty consistent) those are the schools that have talked with the Big 12. Media reports on potential expansion candidates (other than pure speculation) never mention the Florida schools. I'm not stating my opinion on who I think would be best. I'm stating my opinion on who I think they would look at. Relationships matter. UCF and USF are newbies to big time football. And I suspect the SEC/ACC dominance in Florida is part of the reason they don't get mentioned.

There were other boards that mentioned ucf in that October time frame. I can tell you that the b12 is "aware" of our numbers. That being said the acc and sec don't dominate our market and our population densities for our metros are the size of entire states. Unless there is an actual agreement as the dude alluded to with the sec then that doesn't hold water. As it is we are as popular if not more popular than Miami in the state of Florida.

(05-23-2015 08:46 AM)NestaKnight1 Wrote:  

(05-22-2015 07:26 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 08:24 AM)NestaKnight1 Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 08:08 AM)bullet Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 08:02 AM)NestaKnight1 Wrote:  Completely disagree (surprise). UCF is now the largest undergraduate University in the nation, and markets are driving expansion, not geography otherwise UWV would not be in the B12. Central Florida is just a hop skip and jump over the Gulf of Mexico anyway, and with both UCF and USF, you have built in rivalries, and travel partners. I just believe those two schools have the most to offer compared to any of the other potential candidates (perhaps as viewed through my black and gold glasses). In any event, our subjective opinions don't mean jack squat, what will be will be irrespective of what you or I believe.

I agree with Pony. I don't think UCF and USF are even on the radar. Yes, its not that long a flight from Texas, but its yet another island in a heavy SEC/ACC territory. Indications are the schools they are keeping an eye on are, in no particular order, BYU, Houston, Rice, Tulane, Memphis and Cincinnati. But even that is just due diligence in case there is a compelling reason to expand.

So you think the B-12 needs more markets in Texas, and wouldn't be interested in getting a foothold in the talent rich and populous state of Florida while gaining access to the 4th largest TV market in the nation where UT could market the LHN? What indications are you referring to? I thought the B-12 commisioner stated relative to expansion, if it was to happen they would be looking to the East, not West, thus eliminating three of your suggested candidates. In any event, I just don't believe the B-12 is expanding anytime soon, so these conversations are largely academic. I do agree that UCF/USF are not even on the radar, however, I don't believe any schools at all are currently on the radar.

From a number of different message board reports (admittedly limited value-but its pretty consistent) those are the schools that have talked with the Big 12. Media reports on potential expansion candidates (other than pure speculation) never mention the Florida schools. I'm not stating my opinion on who I think would be best. I'm stating my opinion on who I think they would look at. Relationships matter. UCF and USF are newbies to big time football. And I suspect the SEC/ACC dominance in Florida is part of the reason they don't get mentioned.

You mean sources like the blogger who started this thread some two years ago, LOL! I was asking for a reference to a CREDIBLE SOURCE (and I don't mean some newspaper situated in the city of a potential candidate advocating for that candidate's inclusion, as every candidate has that going on, including the Florida School's). The Florida schools may be newbies to big time football, but have accomplished more already than some long time members of the p-5, or g-5 (UCF's Fiesta bowl win over the b-12 champion, and final season #10 ranking, and USF's in-season #2 ranking several seasons back). The point being they have already shown that they can run with the big dogs (imagine if they had the recruiting advantages of belonging to a P-5 conference). Relationships do indeed matter, and I believe Dr. Hitt is acutely adept at developing relationships. When UCF was invited to the Big East, you did not hear a peep out of the administration in Orlando until the news broke. Personally, I think the B-12 who has the smallest footprint of any of the P-5 conferences would want exposure in Florida to erode some of the SEC/ACC dominance you alluded to. Regardless, these decisions are out of our hands, UCF/USF can only control so much (like any of the potential candidates) they should be focused on building up their own brands nationally and that of the AAC as I previously stated.

All I am going to say is we have large research agreements with tx, ou, etc. there are relationships there, partnerships, initiatives, etc that benefit both.

(05-24-2015 09:28 AM)bitcruncher Wrote:  

(05-23-2015 09:34 PM)Big Frog II Wrote:  

(05-23-2015 09:29 PM)Knightbengal Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 08:08 AM)bullet Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 08:02 AM)NestaKnight1 Wrote:  Completely disagree (surprise). UCF is now the largest undergraduate University in the nation, and markets are driving expansion, not geography otherwise UWV would not be in the B12. Central Florida is just a hop skip and jump over the Gulf of Mexico anyway, and with both UCF and USF, you have built in rivalries, and travel partners. I just believe those two schools have the most to offer compared to any of the other potential candidates (perhaps as viewed through my black and gold glasses). In any event, our subjective opinions don't mean jack squat, what will be will be irrespective of what you or I believe.

I agree with Pony. I don't think UCF and USF are even on the radar. Yes, its not that long a flight from Texas, but its yet another island in a heavy SEC/ACC territory. Indications are the schools they are keeping an eye on are, in no particular order, BYU, Houston, Rice, Tulane, Memphis and Cincinnati. But even that is just due diligence in case there is a compelling reason to expand.

Ucf was vetted at the same time as the others

UCF and USF are both on the radar. I know our AD would put UCF at the top.

Be that as it may, anyone expecting quick movement, or any kind of announcements about any realignment moves will be waiting for a while. Nothing will happen until the next TV contract negotiations, when all the conference deals come up for renewal. That's about a decade from now.

I agree here

(05-24-2015 10:21 AM)bigredmachine Wrote:  These board fail to recognize the potential NIU has for both the AAC and the Big 12. NIU is building facilities and has a plan. NIU brings the Chicago market which dwarfs the other markets under consideration. Stay tuned. For the Big 12, NIU and Cincinnati make the most sense.

As it stands, I can't think of any instance, usually P5 realignment has come from other P5 conferences or the BE/AAC so it's dicey that niu would get a direct call up. However, Niu has a ton of potential and I can definitely see them in the AAC but you guys have to reverse your attendance diminishing trend.

(05-24-2015 09:40 AM)JRsec Wrote:  

(05-24-2015 09:28 AM)bitcruncher Wrote:  

(05-23-2015 09:34 PM)Big Frog II Wrote:  

(05-23-2015 09:29 PM)Knightbengal Wrote:  

(05-21-2015 08:08 AM)bullet Wrote:  I agree with Pony. I don't think UCF and USF are even on the radar. Yes, its not that long a flight from Texas, but its yet another island in a heavy SEC/ACC territory. Indications are the schools they are keeping an eye on are, in no particular order, BYU, Houston, Rice, Tulane, Memphis and Cincinnati. But even that is just due diligence in case there is a compelling reason to expand.

Ucf was vetted at the same time as the others

UCF and USF are both on the radar. I know our AD would put UCF at the top.

Be that as it may, anyone expecting quick movement, or any kind of announcements about any realignment moves will be waiting for a while. Nothing will happen until the next TV contract negotiations, when all the conference deals come up for renewal. That's about a decade from now.

Bit, the Big 10 is in renegotiation now. They have to be inked by early 2017. After that one it will be 2021 before it starts again in earnest.

But the B1G is merely the last conference to complete the last round of negotiations that concluded with the B1G's contract. The next round doesn't start for about a decade.

(05-24-2015 01:27 PM)jaredf29 Wrote:  

(05-24-2015 10:21 AM)bigredmachine Wrote:  These board fail to recognize the potential NIU has for both the AAC and the Big 12. NIU is building facilities and has a plan. NIU brings the Chicago market which dwarfs the other markets under consideration. Stay tuned. For the Big 12, NIU and Cincinnati make the most sense.

As it stands, I can't think of any instance, usually P5 realignment has come from other P5 conferences or the BE/AAC so it's dicey that niu would get a direct call up. However, Niu has a ton of potential and I can definitely see them in the AAC but you guys have to reverse your attendance diminishing trend.

Northern Illinois is the only school that is close to be a P5 member. The lawmakers in the state is trying to force another Illinois public school to join the Big 10. But, the only place that can take a Northern Illinois school is the Big 12.

(05-26-2015 03:59 AM)DavidSt Wrote:  

(05-24-2015 01:27 PM)jaredf29 Wrote:  

(05-24-2015 10:21 AM)bigredmachine Wrote:  These board fail to recognize the potential NIU has for both the AAC and the Big 12. NIU is building facilities and has a plan. NIU brings the Chicago market which dwarfs the other markets under consideration. Stay tuned. For the Big 12, NIU and Cincinnati make the most sense.

As it stands, I can't think of any instance, usually P5 realignment has come from other P5 conferences or the BE/AAC so it's dicey that niu would get a direct call up. However, Niu has a ton of potential and I can definitely see them in the AAC but you guys have to reverse your attendance diminishing trend.

Northern Illinois is the only school that is close to be a P5 member. The lawmakers in the state is trying to force another Illinois public school to join the Big 10. But, the only place that can take a Northern Illinois school is the Big 12.

NIU and Cincy to the BIG 12 would be awesome.... Never thought about NIU before, but it does make since

How would OU and Texas view NIU? You need something to appeal to those two schools. I'm assuming that the city of Chicago would be the "draw" in this situation, right?

I would think that any Big XII movement involves Cincy in order to placate WVU.

(05-24-2015 11:45 AM)NestaKnight1 Wrote:  

(05-24-2015 10:21 AM)bigredmachine Wrote:  These board fail to recognize the potential NIU has for both the AAC and the Big 12. NIU is building facilities and has a plan. NIU brings the Chicago market which dwarfs the other markets under consideration. Stay tuned. For the Big 12, NIU and Cincinnati make the most sense.

So start a NIU to the big-12 thread, although I believe NIU needs to get out of the MAC for serious consideration. BTW, it's not the posters on these boards who will make any difference on expansion, but rather the school presidents and their opinions. While it is true that the Chicago market dwarves the Cincy market (#36), not so much for the combined Tampa/Orlando market.
Just for the record Chicago is the 3rd largest TV market, Tampa is the 13th and Orlando is the 18th, however Tampa and Orlando combined are the 4th largest TV. The Chicago TV market hardly "dwarves" the Tampa/Orlando market, the student populations of both UCF and USF (which are still growing) do however dwarve the student population of NIU. Another valid question is how much of the respective markets does each school within that market deliver, I'd put my money on UCF as they don't have any pro NFL, NHL, or MLB teams within their market to compete with. The recruiting in Florida is traditionally far better than Illinois. Therefore I personally believe the UCF/USF combination makes the most sense for b-12 expansion. As with UCF/USF the only thing NIU can do is continue to invest in their facilities, win and cultivate their brand, if they continue to do that they should be on the b-12's radar if and when it decides to expand.

Why do you just combine those 2? I get what your going for with the whole package thing but there aren't package deals in realignment you're just trying to fit you're agenda to make yourself look better on paper. A counterpoint to your argument is why take both when you can only take 1 and I'm sure get some market reach in to the other market as well? I know USF would never carry the Orlando market but they will still penetrate it and vice versa. You have to think of yourself as a separate entity. Otherwise Cincinnati is an hour and a half from Dayton, Columbus, Louisville, Indianapolis, and Lexington. Do we get to claim all those markets under your rules?

(05-26-2015 03:59 AM)DavidSt Wrote:  

(05-24-2015 01:27 PM)jaredf29 Wrote:  

(05-24-2015 10:21 AM)bigredmachine Wrote:  These board fail to recognize the potential NIU has for both the AAC and the Big 12. NIU is building facilities and has a plan. NIU brings the Chicago market which dwarfs the other markets under consideration. Stay tuned. For the Big 12, NIU and Cincinnati make the most sense.

As it stands, I can't think of any instance, usually P5 realignment has come from other P5 conferences or the BE/AAC so it's dicey that niu would get a direct call up. However, Niu has a ton of potential and I can definitely see them in the AAC but you guys have to reverse your attendance diminishing trend.

Northern Illinois is the only school that is close to be a P5 member. The lawmakers in the state is trying to force another Illinois public school to join the Big 10. But, the only place that can take a Northern Illinois school is the Big 12.

Suing worked great for UConn...